Robin Williams: His advice still matters

By Dorrine Mendoza, CNN

updated 4:19 PM EDT, Thu August 14, 2014

Robin Williams was honored during this year's Emmy telecast with a tribute led by friend Billy Crystal, who hosted the "Comic Relief" benefits with Williams and Whoopi Goldberg (seen here in 1986). Williams died August 11 at age 63. Click through to see moments from the beloved actor's remarkable life.

Williams first shot to stardom with Pam Dawber in the sitcom "Mork & Mindy" in September 1978.

Williams attends the Robin Williams Opening Party on April 11, 1979, at Studio 54 in New York City.

This 1982 file photo originally released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Williams as T.S. Garp from the film "The World According to Garp."

Williams and his first wife, Valerie Velardi, join a huge number of photographers packed into singer Paul Simon's apartment to celebrate Simon's wedding to actress Carrie Fisher in New York City on August 16, 1983.

Williams, center, takes time out from rehearsal at NBC's "Saturday Night Live" with cast members Eddie Murphy, left, and Joe Piscopo on February 10, 1984. Williams would appear as guest host on the show.

Williams enjoys music through a headset in a scene from the film "Good Morning, Vietnam" in 1987.

Williams portrayed a teacher in the movie "Dead Poets Society" in 1989, one of his first mostly dramatic roles.

Williams went to all lengths to stay with his children in the 1993 movie "Mrs. Doubtfire."

From left, Bonnie Hunt, Bradley Pierce, Kirsten Dunst and Williams hold one another in a scene from the 1995 film "Jumanji."

Comedians and co-hosts, from left, Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg and Williams sing and dance the 1940s-era opening number to "Comic Relief VII" on November 11, 1995, in Los Angeles.

Jay Leno laughs as Williams jokes around during a taping of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" on November 13, 1995, at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.

Williams and Nathan Lane starred in the film "The Birdcage" in 1996.

Williams visits a sick child in a scene from the film "Patch Adams" in 1998.

Williams and his wife, Marsha, pose for photographers with their daughter, Zelda, as they arrive at the premiere of the film "Patch Adams" in December 1998 in New York City.

Williams wears a clown nose as he places his hands in concrete during a ceremony outside Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood in 1998. In the critically acclaimed "Patch Adams," he played a doctor who used humor to help heal his patients

Actor-writers Matt Damon, left, and Ben Affleck, right, pose with Williams, holding the Oscars they won for "Good Will Hunting" at the 70th annual Academy Awards in 1998. Damon and Affleck won for best original screenplay, and Williams won for best supporting actor.

Williams donates blood at the Irwin Memorial Blood Center in San Francisco on September 11, 2001.

U.S. Postal Service team rider Lance Armstrong rides with Williams during training on a rest day of the 89th Tour de France cycling race in Vaison La Romaine on July 22, 2002.

Williams and Oscar host Billy Crystal perform at the 76th Academy Awards show in 2004.

Williams poses for pictures with U.S. soldiers at the main U.S. base at Bagram, Afghanistan, on December 16, 2004.

Williams in 2007's "License to Wed."

Williams and Susan Schneider arrive at the premiere of "World's Greatest Dad" in Los Angeles on August 13, 2009.

Williams at the pre-premiere party for "Happy Feet Two" at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London on November 20, 2011.

Williams poses for photographs in Sydney, Australia, on December 5, 2011. He and Australian director George Miller were in Australia to promote "Happy Feet Two."

Williams' wife, Susan Schneider, said, "This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken."

HIDE CAPTION

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

Comedic actor Robin Williams dies

<<

<

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

>

>>

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

Robin Williams was often asked for advice

Family and friends were always important

"Know that you are loved," Williams said

(CNN) -- Robin Williams gave a lot of advice. Whether in character or as himself, he was universally perceived as someone who knew things the rest of us had somehow missed. He often suggested reaching out for help, and from what we know, he took his own advice more than once. Whether on reaching out or fighting indifference, his words carry as much power now as they ever did.

In 2013, Williams participated in a question and answer session on the social media site Reddit. He spoke on a variety of topics, from the kind of animal he would be (a dolphin) to his recipe for success.

Q: Robin, your movie "Good Morning Vietnam' inspired me to become a broadcaster. Any advice you would give to my fellow radio hosts and myself?

A: Enjoy the time! If your intent is to pursue this once you get out of the service, see if you keep going once you get out. And know that you mean something.

Q: What do you believe is the key to life?

A: Once again: family and friends. And a good pet. For pure loyalty there is nothing like a pug.

Q: What is, in your opinion, the recipe to success?

A: Truly loving what you do. Because there will be good days and bad days.

Q: College tips for a freshman?

A: Eat ramen, and also, don't wait until the day before the final to cram for the test (which is what I did for my economics final).

Q: Any advice out there for people like me who may be going through bad times themselves, for whatever reasons?

A: Reach out to friends. They're out there. And know that you are loved.

Spoiler alert: Video clips below may reveal key plot points.

'Good Will Hunting'

As a therapist in "Good Will Hunting," Williams plays a psychologist helping a brilliant but troubled young man find his identity.

In this scene, Williams and his client, played by Matt Damon, speak about the myth of perfection in a scene that had even the cameraman laughing.

"People call these things imperfections. But they're not. That's the good stuff. And then we get to choose who we let in to our weird little worlds. You're not perfect, sport. And let me save you the suspense. This girl you met, she's isn't perfect either. But the question is whether you're perfect for each other. That's the whole deal. That's what intimacy is all about."

Another moment occurs as Williams' and Damon's characters speak about the experience of love vs. the idea of love.

"If I ever asked you about love, you'd probably quote me a sonnet. But you've never looked a woman and been totally vulnerable," and later when speaking about his wife who died of cancer, "You don't know about real loss, because that only occurs when you love something more than you love yourself. I doubt you've ever dared to love anybody that much."

In this scene from "Dead Poets Society," Williams, playing an unconventional English professor at an exclusive boys' school, dares his students to think independently and embrace the power of the poetry they're studying.

"No matter what anybody else tells you, words and ideas can change the world. We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. Medicine, law business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for."

In this scene from "The Fisher King," Williams plays a homeless "knight" intent on saving and comforting the forgotten. His speech is aimed at two youths beating up a troubled character played by Jeff Bridges.

"There's three things in this world you need: Respect for all kinds of life, a nice bowel movement on a regular basis and a navy blazer. One more thing: Never take your eye off the ball."

Williams plays a doctor who has, at least temporarily, helped patients come out of decades-long catatonic states. Far from viewing the experiment as a failure, in this scene, he summarizes what he and his patients learned.

"That the human spirit is more powerful than any drug. And that is what needs to be nourished. Work, play, friendship, family. These are the things that matter. This is what we've forgotten."

This scene not only contains a bonus appearance by Phillip Seymour Hoffman, it features an impassioned Williams speaking about empowering patients and being a doctor who offers treatment and comfort.

"What's wrong with death, sir? What are we so mortally afraid of? Why can't we treat death with a certain amount of humanity and dignity and decency and, God forbid, maybe even humor. Death is not the enemy, gentlemen. If we're going to fight a disease, let's fight the most terrible of all, indifference. Now, I've sat in your schools and heard people lecture on transference and professional distance. Transference is inevitable, sir. Every human being has an impact on another."

Jack Powell may be a young man, but his unusual aging disorder will cut his life short. In a graduation speech, he offers this advice.

"Please don't worry so much. Because in the end, none of us have very long on this Earth. Life is fleeting. And if you're ever distressed, cast your eyes to the summer sky, when the stars are strung across the velvety night, and when shooting star streaks through the blackness, turning night into day, make a wish. Think of me. Make your life spectacular. I know I did."